James Clinton Vineyard

Posted: August 23, 2013 - 12:00am

KRESS — James Clinton Vineyard passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at the age of 88 at University Medical Center in Lubbock. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, August 24, 2013 at the Kress First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Ernie McGaughey officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Tulia under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Tulia. A visitation will be held on Friday, August 23, 2013 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the funeral home.

James was born on May 18, 1925 in Hermleigh, Texas to Morton Clifford and Estella Pearl Ward Vineyard, both wonderful parents. James went to Center Plains Grade School and graduated from Kress High School in 1943. James and Dathene Stark were married on October 27, 1945. To this union was born Ronnie Lynn Vineyard and Roxie Estella Vineyard Godfrey. They made a great family; they worked together and played together. They belonged to Kress United Methodist Church where James was very active as long as he was able. James was active in 4H Club work from the time he as 9 years old for the rest of his life and with the help of his parents he did very well. He won the 1941 Santa Fe Award, which was a trip to Chicago to the National 4H Club Congress. He loved going to all of the major livestock shows. He took his children and wife along with him and over the years helped numerous other kids in his community. James loved farming and ranching as he raised award winning Hereford cattle. He always said that there was nothing better than an inch of rain or a baby calf. He was active serving on various boards in Swisher County. James served as County Commissioner for Precinct #4 for eight years. At the age of 68, he became a meat inspector at Excel in Plainview and was there until his retirement.

James is preceded in death by his parents, his brother: Jim and his sister: Pauline.

He is survived by his wife: Dathene, his son: Ronnie and Sydna Vineyard, his daughter: Roxie and David Godfrey; six grandchildren: Syd Vineyard, Zach and Shana Vineyard, Georgia Godfrey, Clint and Kim Godfrey, Jill Godfrey and Clay Godfrey, one great grandchild: Emory Vineyard and another great grandchild on the way, to be named James Godfrey.

James had a great love for his wife: Dathene, who has Alzheimer’s. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his name to the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center Amarillo Alzheimer’s Academy, 1400 South Coulter, Suite 2700, Amarillo, Texas 79106. Online condolences may be made at www.kornerstonefunerals.com.